Versace is an Italian luxury fashion brand that offers a wide range of clothing and accessories. Part of its accessory offerings includes fashion jewelry pieces, with a variety of chains among the range.
Versace’s fashion jewelry chains look like they are made from gold. However, though they may be gold in color, the chains do not contain real gold.
Versace’s fashion jewelry chains may look like they are real gold but they are made from base metals. It’s important to note the description of jewelry pieces, as while they may claim a gold finish, a gold tone, or a similar description, this is not the same as being made of real gold or even being plated with gold.
What is a gold finish?
If the chain says it has a gold finish, this means it is gold in color or tone but does not mean the chain is made of gold. The item’s description will often state what metal the chain is, such as brass.
If a brass item has a gold finish, it means the brass is colored to look golden but there is no actual gold in the item.
Sometimes a gold finish can refer to a gold plating, but in this case, the item should state what karat of gold is used in the plating. If it does not state the karat of gold (for instance, 18k gold plating), then this is not gold plating and the item is just golden in color but contains no gold.
“Gold tone” or “golden” means the same as gold in color when it comes to jewelry. Pieces that state they are gold in tone or golden are simply gold in color but don’t contain real gold.
What is gold plating?
There is a difference between jewelry described with a gold finish, gold tone, or gold color and jewelry that has a gold plating. While real gold isn’t involved in the former, gold plating does involve the use of real gold.
Gold plating involves applying a thin layer of gold onto the surface of a base metal through an electroplating process. Gold plated jewelry is not as valuable as jewelry made from pure gold or filled gold but does offer a cost-effective way to achieve the appearance of gold jewelry without spending a lot of money.
It’s worth noting that gold-plated jewelry will eventually tarnish as the gold plating breaks down. The better it’s cared for, the longer it will last, but consumers should be aware that their gold-plated jewelry won’t look like gold forever.
Fashion jewelry versus fine jewelry
Most of Versace’s jewelry is fashion jewelry. Fashion jewelry is sometimes also known as costume jewelry and tends to be made with base metals.
Base metals are nonferrous metals, meaning they don’t contain any iron. Base metals are not precious metals or noble metals (such as gold, which is a precious metal and a noble metal).
Versace’s fashion jewelry is often made with brass or referred to as 100% metal or alternatively brushed metal. It does not state it contains real gold or other precious metals.
Fine jewelry is jewelry made with solid precious metals (such as gold, silver, or platinum) and it often incorporates precious gemstones. Fine jewelry is stronger than fashion jewelry and won’t tarnish if cared for properly.
Additionally, fine jewelry is much easier to repair if broken than fashion jewelry. Fine jewelry in general costs much more than fashion jewelry, but due to its inherent value and durability, it is worth the extra cost.
That being said, some brands do charge a lot of money for fashion jewelry. This isn’t a reflection of the value of its components but rather due to the association with the brand’s name.
Versace is a designer brand and as such, sells its fashion jewelry at elevated price points. Whether the jewelry is worth the price point comes down to a matter of personal opinion.
Similar pieces made with precious metals would cost far more but Versace’s fashion jewelry provides the aesthetic of gold jewelry for less money. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Versace’s fashion jewelry still costs a lot of money but doesn’t contain precious metals.
Consumers who are seeking fine jewelry may want to look elsewhere but those who are seeking designer branded jewelry with a gold-like aesthetic may find Versace’s chains an appealing option.